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9 Perfect Dublin Date Ideas For Lovers Of History

And, at the moment, the city is alive with a thousand exhibitions, so it's the perfect time to sample them.

If you can work that into a date, well, then you're just plain efficient.

1. The National Museum of Ireland

Start with the big one: cool, thought-provoking pieces and exhibitions on display, especially at the minute with the country celebrating the centenary.

Currently in the Collin's Barracks branch there are exhibitions called ‘Exploring Collective Identities’, 'In conversation with Dermot Bolger' as well as a series of talks, tours, seminars and re-enactments to do with the Easter Rising itself.

2. The Natural History Museum

A slightly different type of history, but valid nonetheless. Why not take your beloved to a hall of stuffed animals, to revel on the beautiful and the creepy, and figure out just how closely we're related to the monkey?

Locally known as 'The Dead Zoo', this museum is absolutely free, and situated right in the heart of the city centre. So basically, if the animals all get to much for you, a plethora of food and drinks venues are right on your doorstep.

3. Glasnevin Cemetery

Another spot absolutely necessary to visit at such an important time in the country's history.

Upon arrival, you and your group are assigned a knowledgeable tour guide who will keep the conversation flowing for up to two hours – ideal for a first date. After the tour, you have the option to meander about the enormous grounds for a while afterwards, if the date's going well that is.

4. Sandemans Walking Tours of Dublin

Of all the walking tours in Dublin, Sandemans is by far the best. They have daily tours with enthusiastic tour guides, and a selection of different themed tours to choose from.

A great way to see the city, for those of you who don't like sitting still. AND if you brush up on your Dublin facts before you go, you can impress your date with your vast knowledge. Winning.

5. Dublin Castle

Visit Dublin's most regal residence and float around as if you own the place. It's highly accessible, and really bloody beautiful once you go inside. The beautiful interior is accessible on a pay-per-view basis, but you can wander around the castle freely.

The Dubhlinn Tearooms, situated in the State Apartments, are open Monday to Sunday too, if you get a little peckish while flirting your face off. Also they have a beautiful garden in which you can stroll, if you want to get romantic.

6. Trinity College Tour

Trinity College is a shining jewel in the city of Dublin, with more tourists per day than any other tourist attraction in the capital.

The tour guides are generally students themselves, so you really get an inside scoop of the goings on in present day, as well as way back when.

7. IMMA

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is situated on the beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, another Irish site dripping in history.

The museum is free to attend, apart from the odd exhibition, and it is genuinely one of the coolest places in Dublin. If art's not your thing, then feel free to roam the astoundingly gorgeous grounds to your heart's content.

8. The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum is situated on Stephen's Green and is a hidden gem in terms of historical sites in Dublin.

The museum charts the story of Ireland's capital city in the 20th Century. Inside, social, cultural and political history are focused on, and explored in a remarkable collection that has just been assembled by the people of Dublin. A great spot, as well as plenty to keep you both talking all the while. Ideal.

9. Kilmainham Gaol

Nobody wants to get locked on a first date – so why not get locked up instead, with an incredible view of Dublin's political and social history all rolled into one.